Diaspora Care Global Initiative Uganda (DCGIU), in partnership with Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital and the Katungi Community Development Foundation (KCDF), has conducted a two-day free eye camp in Kyankwanzi District in honor of its late founder and director, Isaac Kigozi.
The outreach, held at Nteyera Health Centre III, provided free eye care services to nearly 500 residents suffering from various eye conditions, including cataracts, pterygium, refractive errors and allergies.
Kigozi, who also served as the Principal Trade and Investment Officer in the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs under the Office of the President, passed away in his sleep on Thursday, January 8, 2026, after succumbing to a heart attack.
Before returning to Uganda, Kigozi had lived in the United States for close to 20 years. Upon his return, he founded the ICare Foundation and later the Diaspora Care Global Initiative, organizations dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable communities through healthcare and education, with a special focus on women, children and the elderly.
Speaking during the eye camp, DCGIU Executive Director Neeraj Vishwakarma said the initiative was organized to honor Kigozi’s legacy and lifelong commitment to restoring sight among vulnerable populations.
“Despite the sudden loss of our brother and friend, we resolved to honor him by continuing the work he was passionate about. Wherever he is, we believe he is pleased that we are restoring sight and offering hope to those in need,” Vishwakarma said.
DCGIU Programs Coordinator Nixon Segawa revealed that Kigozi’s passion for eye health was deeply personal. Having once been declared legally blind due to keratoconus, Kigozi later regained his sight after receiving advanced treatment in the United States.
“He strongly believed that there is no greater gift than the restoration of sight. That belief inspired him to dedicate his life to organizing free eye camps across Uganda,” Segawa said.
Segawa noted that since 2017, under Kigozi’s leadership, the organization has conducted 117 free eye camps nationwide, screened 5,627 patients, distributed 2,750 pairs of spectacles, provided 1,885 free eye medications, performed 2,000 cataract surgeries and facilitated three free corneal transplants across different parts of the country.
Vishwakarma also commended all partners who supported the Kyankwanzi outreach, including Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Michael Katungi of KCDF, the management and staff of Nteyera Health Centre III, and district health officials.
Michael Katungi praised Kigozi for his immense contribution to national development and community engagement, describing him as a selfless leader with a deep passion for public service.
Kathir K.V., Country Head of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, said Kigozi’s collaboration with the hospital was instrumental in expanding access to quality eye care in underserved communities.
“Isaac Kigozi’s partnership with Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital was a cornerstone of community outreach, reflecting his deep commitment to the ‘Gift of Sight.’ His legacy continues to inspire,” Kathir said.
He added that Kigozi’s work demonstrated the impact of strategic partnerships between government actors, non-profits and specialized medical institutions in addressing preventable blindness.
“By bringing world-class eye care closer to communities, he was not only restoring sight but also independence and economic opportunity for thousands of Ugandans,” Kathir noted.
